Pakistan issued over 9,000 visas to Indian religious pilgrims in 2025: FO
Pakistan issued more than 9,000 visas to Indian religious pilgrims in 2025 and remains committed to facilitating visits to religious sites, Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said on Friday.
Speaking at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson said the visas included those issued to Sikh and Hindu pilgrims. Pakistan also issued more than 4,000 additional visas to Sikh pilgrims during the first half of 2026, he added.
Pakistan looks forward to welcoming a large number of Sikh pilgrims to Nankana Sahib later this month to mark the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sajjad Haider Khan said.
He said the 1974 Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines between Pakistan and India provides a framework for facilitating religious pilgrimages between the two countries.
The spokesperson highlighted the Kartarpur Corridor as a special initiative by Pakistan to facilitate Sikh pilgrims. The corridor allows more than 5,000 pilgrims to visit the holy site and return on the same day.
However, India has suspended pilgrim movement through the corridor since May 2025, he said.
“Pakistan remains ready to welcome and facilitate pilgrims once the restrictions are lifted,” the spokesperson added.
Pakistan open to Punjab CM’s visit
Responding to a question about a possible visit by the chief minister of Indian Punjab to Pakistan, Khan said Islamabad would consider issuing him a visa if he wished to visit.
He clarified that permission for the Indian official to travel to Pakistan was a separate matter to be decided by the Indian government.
Pakistan committed to protecting religious heritage
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom, the spokesperson said the country welcomed followers of all faiths and remained committed to facilitating visits to their sacred places.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to preserve and protect Buddhist heritage sites, including those in Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi.
A special task force has been established to safeguard the country’s Buddhist heritage, he added.